Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO) Annual Conference 2024: Reflections
Attendees engaging during the KEPRO Annual Conference 2024.
On 22nd October 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO) Annual Conference 2024 themed “Packaging for a Sustainable Future: Technology, Innovation, and Finance” held at Shamba Events in Loresho. The event brought together key industry leaders and stakeholders in climate and environmental governance, producer responsibility, circularity, and green financing.
Key Sessions and Insights
The conference featured several themed sessions:
- Green Financing Opportunities: Emphasis on profit responsibility, green bonds, carbon credits, and impact loans.
- Design for Circularity: Advocating for reusable, recyclable packaging designs that drive earnings through carbon credits.
- Reclaimer Integration: Policies and case studies on integrating informal reclaimers into waste management systems.
- EAC Harmonization: Addressing cross-border collaboration and policy frameworks in the East Africa Community.
- Leveraging Technology: Highlights of innovations, including an app called "KOLEKT" for waste trade facilitation.
Networking and Career Growth
During the tea break, Mr. Albert Nyagechi, KEBS Chemical Manager, shared insights on networking and personal branding. His advice, “These people are here for you to access them. Don’t shy away, approach us,” encouraged me to interact with guests, broadening my professional perspective.
Later, I met Mr. Priyyen Tanna, CEO of Drift Opex, who shared invaluable insights on creating unique, sustainable business ideas and branding strategies. The conversations highlighted the importance of such forums for building meaningful professional connections.
Award Gala Dinner
The day ended with a Gala Awards Dinner, celebrating organizations for their contributions:
- Consumer Education – Slums Going Green
- Circular Economy Leadership – Haco Industries
- Innovation in Packaging – Chemolex
- Recycling Leadership – Mtaa Safi Initiative
- SME Circularity Champion – M-Taka
- Youth Eco Warrior – M-Taka
"When you get such an opportunity, do not let it slip through your fingers!"